Yuan uses global analysis of experimental data to explore partons — fundamental particles in protons and neutrons. His research has deepened the understanding of Quantum Chromodynamics theory, enabling more precise predictions of parton distributions at high-energy collider facilities throughout the world.

Dr. Yuan's contributions have been recognized with several honors. He was named a Fellow of the American Physical Society in 2013, serving as president of the Overseas Chinese Physics Association (2009-2010) and being named an Honorary Professor of Xinjian University, China, in 2015. In October 2017, he was invested as the first Wu-Ki Tung Endowed Professor of Particle Physics at MSU.